Quote Originally Posted by Turlough View Post
What is an example of specific training for the marathon for Elites? 4 X 6k @ Marathon Pace(MP) 1k @ 90% MP recovery. Specific, specific, specific.
What did the elite have to do in the preceding phase to eb able to do this session? 6 X 3k @ HM pace, 32k @ 95% MP.
And the preceding phase? Build power to be extended later: 20-40 minute hard tempo, 10 X 1k @ 10k pace, 2 min rec. etc. Build Resistance: 2hrs -2hrs 45 @ 80% MP.
This assumes that aerobic conditioning ahs been maximised over many years of high mileage (100-140 mpw)
Turlough, I have much appreciated your posts too, as so much of my training is near race-pace, including a considerable element of intervalised work just above race-pace, (sometimes with recovery just under race-pace). And nearer races my training is much more race-specific, as you say.

Did you mean 32km@95% Marathon pace though? Often?! It sounds a bit tough!

I guess I would want to add that, by making my body restore glycogen levels quickly and often, I am hoping to boost the max amount that my body can store, but yes your point about potentially teaching your body to burn glycogen too quickly is interesting. Incidentally, I avoid using energy drinks for the vast majority of my training.

Meanwhile, this month I'm getting to grips with the psychology of keeping my steady runs steady ~ not a problem when everything's going well, but a major challenge if you keep comparing training times now with those at peak form last year!